Page 40 of Highland Guard
“I am not sure. All I know is I must leave before the prioress finds out the relic is missing.”
“Not without me and Dermid, you’re not.” Kieran clenched his jaw, wondering not for the first time what other secrets Naomi held in her pretty little head.
“Fine, then wake him up and let us go.”
Just before dawn, the three were on the road to Dunsinane, leaving the sleepy nunnery far behind them. Little did they know they were being watched.
***
Macbeth’s Castle, Dunsinane, Perthshire Scotland
DALZIEL ROBERTSON,otherwise known asthe Wolf, sat across from King Macbeth as they discussed crown matters. For those within the circle, Dalziel was also the king’s assassin, but since settling down with his wife, Clarissa, and raising a family, he did less of the things he used to do. They were discussing the matter of a rising insurgence in the North when Macbeth asked, “What do you ken of the Mackenzie clan in Kintail?”
Dalziel replied, “Not much. But they are related to a member of the MacGregor war band.”
“Do tell.”
“Kieran MacKenzie is a trusted guardsman and has been with the family for many years. He now serves the Henderson clan. Since Sorcha MacGregor married their laird.”
“Hmm, interesting considering he is the very man I am wondering about.”
Dalziel gave Macbeth his full attention then. “What is it?”
“I recently granted a petition regarding the man. Now I wish I had sought your advice first.”
“What petition?”
“An Iverson Macrae lodged it on behalf of Clan Mackenzie. The Macraes and Mackenzies are connected at the hip, it seems.”
“And?”
“The MacKenzie laird has passed away, and the clan requested that Kieran, his son, take the reins to become the new laird.”
Dalziel gave him an astonished look. “Surely you jest?”
“Tis the truth. They asked for my intervention because it seems Kieran was reluctant to comply, and his words were to the effect they can take their lairdship and stick it in an unmentionable place.”
Dalziel chuckled then. “Aye, that sounds exactly like Kieran. The man hates being forced into a corner, and he is as stubborn as a goat.”
Macbeth replied, “Well, that’s not all. The reason for the request was to force Kieran into a marriage contract with a woman from a feuding clan, the Anrias. Of course, I approved because I am tired of their constant squabbles. But now it seems this Kieran took off on some adventure and I am about to compel him to marry the lass. I understand he seeks an audience with me to overturn the decision.”
Dalziel burst out laughing. “Are you saying they are trying to force Kieran to marry a complete stranger and then force him to lead their clan?”
“Aye.”
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but Kieran will fight to the death to avoid marriage or becoming leg shackled to anyone. I canna wait to tell Beiste and Brodie about this. They will laugh through their asses over it.”
“Then what am I supposed to do?”
“Is there any word about the woman? Who is she?”
“I dinnae ken much of her. Only that she is part of the Anrias clan, and it was a contract promised years ago. I approved, of course, but now I’m wondering if it was the right thing to do for this guardsman of yours.”
“Your Majesty, with respect, I can tell you now, Kieran will not be happy, and I pity the poor woman they’ve foisted upon him. I think it best to allow all the parties to put their case to you before making a final decision. It would be good, at least for the Anrias lass to meet Kieran before any hasty marriage is confirmed.”
“Very well, then. That seems the wisest way forward. Now, for another matter.”
“Aye, what is it?” Dalziel asked.
